When perception goes deeper: High sensitivity and high intelligence in everyday family life
A mindful look at neurodivergent children and the power of clarity and orientation
Introduction
Perhaps you’ve experienced this: Your child reacts more strongly to noises, withdraws after a busy day, or asks unusually mature questions. Perhaps you’ve sensed that there’s “more”—more perception, more thought, more depth. And at the same time, more friction in everyday life.
In my practice, I encounter many parents who ask themselves: Is my child highly sensitive? Or particularly intelligent? And, above all, how can we as a family cope with this?
What does high sensitivity and high intelligence actually mean?
High sensitivity describes a particular sensitivity in the perception of stimuli—whether emotional, physical, or social. Highly intelligent children often think faster, more interconnectedly, and more profoundly. Both traits can occur individually or together and manifest across a broad spectrum.
Important: These are not diagnoses in the medical sense, but descriptions of neurodivergent manifestations – i.e. natural variations of human development.
Diagnoses as orientation – not as a pigeonhole
For many parents, a well-founded assessment by a professional is a moment of relief. Suddenly, a coherent picture emerges. Behaviors become understandable. And space opens up for new approaches to dealing with their children.
A diagnosis isn’t a label—it’s a compass. It helps you recognize patterns, strengthen your resources, and avoid being overwhelmed.
What does support look like in everyday life?
Every family is unique. Yet there are recurring questions:
- How do I create peace without isolating my child?
- How do I build self-confidence without overtaxing others?
- How do I cope with anger, withdrawal, or perfectionism?
In my support, I combine mindful conversations with physical exercises, energetic work, and everyday tools for self-regulation—individually tailored to your child and to you as a family.
A few numbers – how common is that actually?
- High sensitivity affects an estimated 15–20% of all children.
- High intelligence (IQ over 130) is found in approximately 2–3% of the population.
- Around one-third of highly gifted children also show signs of high sensitivity.
- Many of these children are not recognized at school – or are misunderstood.
(Source: Swiss Gifted Education, zfi.ch Foundation, HSP expert networks)
Final thoughts
Accompanying a neurodivergent child is not an easy task—but a deeply moving one. It requires parents to be present, reflect, and be willing to question their own patterns. But it also offers families the opportunity for profound encounters, genuine learning, and new ways of interacting.
If you need support – for your child, for yourself, or for your interactions – I am happy to be there for you.
Melanie Goumri
, Federally Certified Complementary Therapist | Certified Polarity Therapist | Certified Somatic Experience Practitioner | Coach for High Sensitivity & High Intelligence,
